By Uloma Peace Okorie

Razor News CEO highlights media pioneer’s courage, stresses transparency and journalists’ welfare

The late Dr. Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi’s legacy extends beyond private broadcasting, offering important lessons on leadership, transparency and the role of the media in addressing Nigeria’s security and socioeconomic challenges, Odita Sunday, Chief Executive Officer of Razor News, has said.

Sunday described Dokpesi, founder of DAAR Communications, Raypower FM and African Independent Television (AIT), as a pioneering media entrepreneur whose courage and determination helped reshape Nigeria’s broadcasting landscape.

He said Dokpesi’s decision to venture into private broadcasting at a time when the sector was largely dominated by government-owned stations demonstrated exceptional vision and a willingness to challenge the status quo.

According to Sunday, Dokpesi’s achievements have become an enduring reference point for journalists, media practitioners and students of mass communication.

“As a student of Mass Communication, Raypower was a subject of discussion. Our lecturers used Raypower to set examination questions for us. Sometimes, you could be asked to discuss the personality of the man behind it,” he recalled.

Sunday noted that Dokpesi’s pioneering contribution to private broadcasting remains an important chapter in Nigeria’s media history, adding that his achievements would continue to inspire future generations.

He stressed that the late media entrepreneur’s legacy should also encourage contemporary publishers to recognise the media’s responsibility in promoting transparency, accountability and national development.

 

Media’s Role in Addressing Security Challenges

Sunday’s reflections on Dokpesi’s legacy come against the backdrop of Nigeria’s security and socioeconomic challenges, which require responsible journalism, public enlightenment and greater transparency from institutions entrusted with public responsibilities.

He emphasized the importance of a media industry capable of providing credible information, scrutinising public institutions and drawing attention to issues affecting citizens.

According to him, journalists have a responsibility to inform the public and contribute to national development, particularly at a time when insecurity, economic hardship and other social challenges continue to affect communities across the country.

He maintained that the media must remain relevant in promoting public awareness and holding leaders accountable while giving citizens the information they need to make informed decisions.

 

Financial Challenges Facing Media Organisations

Addressing concerns about journalists’ welfare, Sunday acknowledged allegations by some former AIT and Raypower reporters that salaries were not consistently paid during their employment.

He argued that the financial realities of operating media organisations in Nigeria must be considered when examining the challenges confronting publishers.

“The media industry is not a profit-making industry,” he said, explaining that inadequate advertising patronage and rising operational costs can make it difficult for media organisations to meet their financial obligations.

Sunday disclosed that he had personally met Dokpesi while reporting maritime activities, when the late entrepreneur came to clear broadcasting equipment.

He said the encounter gave him an opportunity to connect with Dokpesi and appreciate his commitment to broadcasting.

Sunday added that the challenges of media ownership should not, however, overshadow the importance of providing journalists with adequate remuneration and welfare.

 

Transparency and Journalists’ Welfare

The Razor News CEO stressed that publishers must understand the responsibilities associated with employing journalists, insisting that providing an identity card alone cannot substitute for fair compensation.

He explained that his experience in the industry had made him cautious about employing permanent staff without the financial capacity to meet their welfare requirements.

“That is the reason why it is very, very difficult for me to engage somebody as a staff, because once you engage the person, you have to fulfil every requirement that is needed for the welfare of that staff,” he said.

Sunday disclosed that he often relied on freelance journalists because of the financial demands of maintaining permanent staff.

He nevertheless emphasised that the risks associated with journalism make workers’ welfare an important consideration for every responsible publisher.

“The risk in journalism is too much. If you are ready to put somebody under your staff list, you must be prepared to fulfil every aspect that has to come with the workers’ welfare,” he added.

 

Building on Dokpesi’s Legacy

Sunday’s observations highlight the need for Nigeria’s media industry to build sustainable business models that can support quality journalism, protect journalists and strengthen public accountability.

He maintained that celebrating Dokpesi’s achievements should go beyond remembering his pioneering role in broadcasting to examining how his legacy can inspire innovation, transparency and responsible media ownership.

As Nigeria continues to confront security threats and socioeconomic difficulties, a credible and financially sustainable media industry remains important for informing citizens, scrutinising public institutions and supporting national development.

Dokpesi’s contribution to private broadcasting remains a significant part of Nigeria’s media history. For contemporary media entrepreneurs, the challenge is to sustain that pioneering spirit while building institutions that promote transparency, serve the public interest and uphold the welfare and professional dignity of journalists.